

Writers Circle
Will Parker Anderson
A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 11, 2025 • 15min
The 10 commandments of platform building (part 2)
In Part 2 of this special coaching series, senior editor Will Parker Anderson shares five tips from his "10 Commandments of Platform Building." This episode will equip you to share your ideas and grow your audience in a way that's authentic, life-giving, and sustainable. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Nov 4, 2025 • 15min
The 10 commandments of platform building (part 1)
Feeling worn out, fake, or frustrated trying to grow your author platform? You're not the only one—and there's a better way. In this special coaching episode, senior editor Will Parker Anderson pulls back the curtain on his "10 Commandments of Platform Building," sharing five insider tips to help you attract followers in a way that feels authentic, life-giving, and sustainable. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Oct 28, 2025 • 29min
J.R. Briggs (part 2): Questions every writer should ask
In Part 2 of my interview with my leadership coach J.R. Briggs, he unpacks: 1. Questions we need to ask ourselves as writers 2. Questions about the reader 3. Questions for feedback Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. J.R.'s book: The Art of Asking Better Questions Resources mentioned by Will: The Mom Test Write Useful Books Otter.ai Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Oct 21, 2025 • 47min
J.R. Briggs: The art of asking better questions
What if the questions you ask readers have a greater impact than your statements? In this episode with my leadership coach, J.R. Briggs, we unpack the power of asking better questions. Asking questions is more than curiosity; it's an act of love. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's platform workshop J.R.'s book: The Art of Asking Better Questions Resources mentioned by Will: The Mom Test Write Useful Books Otter.ai Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Oct 14, 2025 • 22min
Rich Villodas: Writing as spiritual formation
Ever feel like you're writing for God but not with Him? In this episode, I sit down with author and pastor Rich Villodas to talk about how writing can become an act of worship—a way to slow down, listen, and experience God's presence in the creative process. We also discuss our upcoming Advent devotional and how writing can shape us into the image of Christ. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Email Will: hello@writerscircle.co Rich's new book: Waiting for Jesus Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Oct 7, 2025 • 49min
Dr. Michael Longinow: How to write a lead line
The first sentence is usually the hardest, but if you don't immediately pull readers in, they'll ditch you. Today I sit down with my former journalism professor, Dr. Michael Longinow, who unpacks the secrets of crafting a winning lead line. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

11 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 55min
Nathan Baugh: The 4 Tenets of Storytelling
In this engaging discussion, Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders and a storytelling expert, reveals the transformative four tenets of storytelling: conflict, progress, causation, and transformation. He shares insights on why humans crave stories and highlights common storytelling mistakes, such as focusing too much on external conflict. Nathan emphasizes the importance of pacing and internal change, using examples like Katniss from The Hunger Games. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling craft!

Sep 23, 2025 • 31min
Stephanie Duncan Smith: When efficiency eats creativity
AI is everywhere—and for writers, it's confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it? In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What's gained when AI speeds up the process? And what's lost when we outsource creativity to machines? Stephanie shares why inefficiency is actually vital to the writing life and how protecting your creative core is more urgent than ever. If you've felt overwhelmed or unsure about AI, this episode will help you think clearly. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Sign up for my workshop: https://writers-s-site-7336.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-how-to-write-stuff-people-actually-read Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 16, 2025 • 33min
Stephanie Duncan Smith: Why most memoirs fail
Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here's the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don't actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You'll come away with practical insights on how to transform a personal narrative into a universal one that truly resonates. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Sep 10, 2025 • 48min
Rachel Buller: The 4 C's of Communication
It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through the noise and reach more readers. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson


